Toward a Reconceptualization of Stem Cells from Cellular Plasticity
- Author:
Tao LIU
1
;
Li CHEN
;
Zhongjian ZHAO
;
Shichang ZHANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: Stem cells; Plasticity; Differentiation; Dedifferentiation; Transdifferentiation
- MeSH: Cell Plasticity; Cellular Reprogramming; In Vitro Techniques; Plastics; Stem Cells
- From:International Journal of Stem Cells 2019;12(1):1-7
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: The slow progress in clinical applications of stem cells and the bewildering mechanisms involved have puzzled many researchers. Recently, the increasing evidences have indicated that cells have superior plasticity in vivo or in vitro, spontaneously or under extrinsic specific inducers. The concept of stem cells may be challenged, or even replaced by the concept of cell plasticity when cell reprogramming technology is progressing rapidly. The characteristics of stem cells are manifestations of cellular plasticity. Incorrect understanding of the concept of stem cells hinders the clinical application of so-called stem cells. Understanding cellular plasticity is important for understanding and treating disease. The above issues will be discussed in detail to prove the reconceptualization of stem cells from cellular plasticity.
